Add Ambiance to Your Home with Creative Candleholders

Pillars and Posts

You can buy unfinished turned spindles and posts at hardware, junk or antique stores . Try a faux finish to instantly age new wood, or use latex paint to create colorful candlesticks to accent your decor.

Materials:

wooden pillars or posts
decorative molding
hand saw
power drill or router
candles or votives

1. Cut the pillars different lengths to create a balanced grouping (figure A).
2. For tapered candles, hollow out a small cavity in the top of the pillar to fit your candle. Votive candles can simply be set on top of the pillars (figure B). (Votives are small candles set inside a foil container or a small candle set in a glass or metal container.)
3. To make large pillar candles more visually interesting set them on pieces of decorative molding as shown (figure C).

Save tin cans--coffee cans work very well--for this candleholder. Light your front walkway, window or patio for special occasions.

Materials:

tin cans--any size will do
medium or fine sandpaper
designs--stars, flowers, etc.
water
hammer
nails
candles

Steps:

1. First, rub the surface of a can with sandpaper and set it outside for a few days to rust.
2. Then, paint or draw designs on the can.
3. Fill the can with water and freeze it overnight. When the water is completely frozen , use a hammer and nail to punch holes through the tin, following the design outline . The ice prevents the tin from denting or collapsing on itself when it is hammered .
4. Allow the ice to thaw, then place a candle in the luminary and enjoy.

You can create interesting arrangements using old trophies, wood moldings, candy dishes and more.

• Trophies. Use old metal trophies as holders for large pillar-type candles. Vary the heights and shapes of candles and trophies to create an interesting display. The metal looks especially good at the holidays, as it reflects the candlelight. The old patina adds character and interest.
• Candy dishes. Old silver candy dishes are a perfect place for a candle to perch.